When Europe was under siege in 1000 CE, classic rhetoric was known by church scholars and authors. One such scholar was Martianus Capella, who had written a book of prose and poetry to describe education. His work had been used in schools. Boethius, who had written philosophy, logic, and commentary on Aristotle and Cicero, stressed concern with style of utmost importance.
The renaissance of the twelfth century involved contact with classical learning as a result of the religious crusades. The study of classical literature had become less restricted, and the study of grammar had become rejuvinated. Poetry had become a main focus, with concentration in tropes and figures. Memorization and re-claiming of all texts had begun.
I felt that this classroom lecture touched upon all of this, and Bushra clearly understands and grasps what was taught within the texts as well as what was addressed in class. After this classroom lecture, I am more interested in the religious crusades, and learning about how they truly effected the teaching of rhetoric as well as the effect that these crusades had on the lifestyle and literature during this time period. It was interesting to read the sections within the textbooks about this, as well as to read the speeches that were provided to see how the styles were changing during this time period.
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